Crank retractor handle

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an apparatus for adapting a non-cylindrical serrated surgical retractor blade handle to the cylindrical bore of a universal joint. The apparatus includes an adaptor housing having a retractor handle passageway, at least a portion of the retractor handle passageway being configured to receive the slideable insertion of a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. The adaptor housing is configured for rotational insertion into the cylindrical bore of a clamping member, thereby allowing the adaptor housing, the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, and an attached retractor blade, to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. In the illustrated embodiment, a pawl mechanism is connected to the adaptor housing and configured for automatic engagement with at least one of a plurality of serrations that are located on the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, thereby allowing for the efficient adjustment and automatic locking of the linear position of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle relative to the operative site.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to surgical retractor systems.More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus foradapting a non-cylindrical serrated surgical retractor blade handle to auniversal joint, and, more particularly, an adaptor that provides theability to rotate a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle within auniversal joint clamping apparatus. The present invention providessurgeons with the ability to precisely position retractor blades, whilealso providing a ratchet engagement for efficient adjustment andautomatic locking of the linear position of a non-cylindrical retractorblade handle and associated retractor blade.

[0002] In surgical operations, it is customary to use a retractiondevice in order to properly access internal organs and bone structures.Such devices are particularly designed to hold back a patient's anatomyin the immediate area of the operative site, thereby enabling a surgeonto have both an optimal view of the operative site and a sufficientlyopened area within which to work.

[0003] In the past, various measures have been employed to improve theease and efficiency of positioning and/or readjusting the location ofretractor blades, while also maintaining a sterile operatingenvironment. Surgical retraction devices have utilized universal jointsthat allow a first clamping member, which clamps a retractor bladehandle, to rotate along the same axis as a second clamping member, whichtypically clamps onto a retractor system frame. Such systems allowsurgeons to swivel and/or rotate the position of the retractor bladehandle so that the retractor blade may be placed at a desired positionrelative to the operative site. Examples of such devices are disclosedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,221,743, 4,617,916, 5,025,780, and 5,888,197.

[0004] Other retractor systems, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,763, attachretractor blades to square or rectangular serrated retractor bladehandles. These square or rectangular serrated retractor blade handlesare inserted into a clamping apparatus, which include a quick releasepawl mechanism, and which is typically securely affixed to the retractorsystem frame. The combination of the square or rectangular serratedretractor blade handle and the quick-release pawl mechanism creates atraditional ratchet engagement. This ratchet engagement automaticallylocks the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle in position, therebyeliminating the time and effort normally associated with manuallytightening the retractor blade handle at its desired position.Furthermore, the ratchet action allows for quick and easy adjustment ofthe linear position of the square or rectangular serrated retractorblade handle relative to the pawl mechanism.

[0005] In order to mate square or rectangular serrated retractor bladehandles, prior art devices require that the clamping apparatus have anorifice that also has square or rectangular configuration so thatclamping apparatus is able to receive the slideable insertion of theretractor blade handle. Unfortunately, unlike cylindrical retractorblade handles, the square or rectangular configurations of the retractorblade handle and mating orifice render the retractor blade handleincapable of rotation within the clamping apparatus. The inability torotate a retractor blade handle within a clamping apparatus hinders asurgeon's ability to adjust the angular position of the retractor bladerelative to the operative site.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,008 teaches a clamping apparatus thatincorporates both a second clamping member and a first clamping member,the first clamping member having a quick release pawl mechanism and asquare traverse bore that is configured to receive the slideableinsertion of a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle. However, asmentioned above, the square cross section of the traverse bore prohibitsthe rotation of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, and attachedretractor blade, about the longitudinal axis of the non-cylindricalretractor blade handle.

[0007] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide anapparatus that permits the rotation of a non-cylindrical retractor bladehandle within a clamping apparatus and about the longitudinal axis ofthe non-cylindrical retractor blade handle.

[0008] It is a further object of this invention to provide an adaptorfor a non-cal cylindrical retractor blade handle that permits therotational adjustment of the non-al cylindrical retractor blade handleindependent of the rotational position of the second clamping member.

[0009] A further object of this invention is to provide a clampingapparatus that permits quick and easy adjustment and automatictightening of the linear position of a non-cylindrical retractor bladehandle.

[0010] These and other desirable characteristics of the presentinvention will become apparent in view of the present specification,including the claims and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention is directed to an apparatus that adaptsnon-cylindrical retractor blade handles to a universal joint. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus that adaptsnon-cylindrical retractor blade handles to a universal joint, and whichalso permits the rotational adjustment of the non-cylindrical retractorblade handle, and attached retractor blade, about the longitudinal axisof the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle.

[0012] The apparatus includes an adapter housing having a retractorhandle passageway, the retractor handle passageway being configured toboth receive the slideable insertion of the non-cylindrical retractorblade handle, and to prevent the rotation of the non-cylindricalretractor blade handle relative to the adaptor housing. At least aportion of the adaptor housing is configured for rotatable insertioninto the clamping bore of the universal joint, thereby permitting therotation of both the adaptor housing and non-cylindrical retractor bladehandle, and attached retractor blade, about the longitudinal axis of thenon-cylindrical retractor blade handle.

[0013] In one embodiment, a pinion is operably connected to the adapterhousing. The pinion is configured for engagement with at least one of aplurality of serrations on the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle,thereby aiding in the linear positioning of the non-cylindricalretractor blade handle. A pawl mechanism is operably connected to theadaptor housing for engagement with at least one of the plurality ofserrations on the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, therebyallowing for the rapid adjustment and automatic locking of the linearposition of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle.

[0014] A locking mechanism connects the first and second clampingmembers of the universal joint. The locking mechanism secures therotational positions of the second and first clamping members, theadaptor housing, and the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle.However, the locking mechanism does not prohibit the adjustment of thelinear position of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle, andattached retractor blade. Therefore, the apparatus provides surgeonswith the ability to efficiently and precisely position, and adjust, thelinear location of a retractor blade during an operation withoutunlocking the locking mechanism, and without having to manually tightenthe non-cylindrical retractor blade handle at the desired location,while still continuing to maintain a sterile operating environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a more complete understanding of this invention referenceshould now be had to the embodiment illustrated in greater detail in theaccompanying drawings and described below by way of example of theinvention.

[0016]FIG. 1 illustrates the use of a conventional surgical retractionsystem.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the crankuniversal joint.

[0018]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of thecrank universal joint.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the rear side of anembodiment of the crank universal joint.

[0020]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cam side of an embodimentof the crank universal joint.

[0021]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the front portion of anembodiment of the crank universal joint.

[0022]FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are cross sectional views depicting theoperation of the locking mechanism of an embodiment of the invention.

[0023]FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cam side of anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

[0024]FIG. 1 illustrates the use of conventional universal joints in asurgical retraction system 100. Adjustable clamps 120, 125 are secured,through the use of adapters 140, 145, to the frames 150, 155 of aconventional framed stretcher or surgical table 160. A post 170 extendsvertically from a clamp 120 to provide support for a cross bar 180,which in turn provides support for a pair of extension arms 190, 200.The crossbar 180 is secured to the post 170 by a multidirectional jointclamp 210. The extension arms 190, 200 are secured to the cross bar 180by a pair of multidirectional joint clamps 220, 240. Additional jointclamps 260, 280 are disposed along the extension arms 190, 200 forrigidly securing any number of retractor blades 340, 360 to theextension arms 190, 200.

[0025] The joint clamps 260, 280 allow for both the rotation of theclamping mechanism along the longitudinal axis of the extension arms190, 200 and the pivotable placement of the retractor blade handle 440in relation to the extension arms 190, 200. The surgeon is then able toplace the retractor blades 340, 360 at their desired position in theincised opening 460 made by the surgeon. The retractor blades 340, 360are then used to retract the patient's anatomy, thereby making theincised opening 460 accessible to the surgeon.

[0026]FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the illustratedembodiment of the crank universal joint 10. The crank universal joint 10is shown as including a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 havinga plurality of serrations 62, an adapter housing 26, a first clampingmember 12, a second clamping member 16, and a locking mechanism 45. Thenon-cylindrical serrated handle 60, is shown as being inserted into theretractor handle passageway 38 of the adaptor housing 26. A pawlmechanism 30 is both operably attached to the adaptor housing 26 andengaging at least one of the plurality of serrations 62.

[0027]FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the illustratedembodiment of the crank universal joint 10. The adapter housing 26 isshown as having a sleeve 22 and a retractor handle passageway 38. Theretractor handle passageway 38 is configured to receive the slideableinsertion of a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 into theadapter housing 26. The retractor handle passageway 38 may have anon-cylindrical configuration that is substantially similar to theconfiguration of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60.Additionally, at least a portion of the retractor handle passageway 38may be a cylindrical orifice so as to reduce the time and expenseassociated with manufacturing a non-cylindrical passageway throughoutthe entire length of the adaptor housing 26.

[0028] The sleeve 22 is configured for rotational insertion into theclamping bore 14 of the first clamping member 12, as shown in FIGS. 2,5, and 6. The rotational insertion of the sleeve 22 into the clampingbore 14 allows for the rotational movement of the adaptor housing 26 andnon-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 about the longitudinal axis ofthe non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60. The illustratedembodiment is also shown as incorporating a retainer ring 24, which isconfigured for engagement with a groove 23 located on the proximate end18 of the sleeve 22, thereby aiding in maintaining the engagement of thesleeve 22 within the clamping bore 14.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 45 is a cammechanism that engages a through rod 46, bushing 52, and nut 50 torotatably connect a second clamping member 16 to a first clamping member12. However, the present invention is capable of incorporating differenttypes of locking mechanisms 45 other the cam mechanism of theillustrated embodiment of the invention, as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art.

[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the pawl mechanism 30 ispivotably connected to the adapter housing 26 by a fastener 33, such asa screw, bolt, or pin. The pawl mechanism 30 has a wedge 34 and an upperportion 36. A spring pin 32, which is operably connected to the pawlmechanism 30, biases the wedge 34 against at least one adjacentserration 62, thereby providing automatic engagement of the pawlmechanism 30 with the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, as the non-cylindrical retractorblade handle 60 traverses through the adaptor housing 26, the wedge 34engages and slides across the side of the passing adjacent serration 62.This sliding motion exerts sufficient pressure on the pawl mechanism 30so as to overcome the biasing force of the spring pin 32. The continuingmovement of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 through theadapter housing 26 creates the continuous automatic disengagement fromthe passing adjacent serration 62 and subsequent automatic reengagementwith the successive serrations 62. Once the non-cylindrical retractorblade handle 60, and attached retractor blade 340, reach the desiredlocation, the linear movement of the non-cylindrical retractor bladehandle 60 ceases, and the biasing force of the spring pin 32automatically forces the pawl mechanism 30 into a locking engagementwith at least one of the adjacent serrations 62 that is representativeof the linear position of the adapter housing 26 relative to thenon-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60.

[0032] Similar to a traditional ratchet, when at least one serration 62is engaged with the pawl mechanism 30, the configuration of the wedge 34in relation to the shape of the serrations 62, and in conjunction withthe biasing force of the spring pin 32, only allows for the linearmovement of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 in onedirection through the adapter housing 26. In the illustrated embodiment,this one-way ratchet movement allows the surgeon to draw the head 70 ofthe non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60, and attached retractorblade 360, towards the crank universal joint 10 until the retractorblade 340 reaches an optimal position within the incised opening 460(shown in FIG. 1). Once the linear movement of the crank universal joint10 ceases, the automatic locking engagement between the pawl mechanism30 and at least one of the plurality of serrations 62 prevents theretractor blade 340 from being dislodged in a direction away from thecrank universal joint 10.

[0033] The non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 may also bepositioned by manually asserting sufficient pressure against the upperportion 36 of the pawl mechanism 30 so as to overcome the biasing forceof the spring pin 32. The pawl mechanism 30 then pivots about thefastener 33, thereby releasing the wedge 34 from a locking engagementwith at least one of the plurality of serrations 62. The non-cylindricalretractor blade handle 60 may then traverse back and forth through theadaptor housing 26, thereby either drawing the head of thenon-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 or the end cap 68 of thenon-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 towards the adaptor housing26. When the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 is positioned atthe desired location, the pressure against the pawl mechanism 30 maythen be released, thereby allowing the biasing force of the spring pin32 to force the wedge 34 back into locking engagement with at least oneof the plurality of serrations 62.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the illustrated embodiment includes apinion 27 that assists the surgeon in precisely controlling the linearposition of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 and attachedretractor blade 340 shown in FIG. 1. The pinion 27, which is operablyconnected to the adapter housing 26, has a plurality of teeth 25 thatare configured for engagement with at least one of the plurality ofserrations 62 along the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60. Acrank knob 28 may be operably connected to the pinion. The rotation ofthe crank knob 28 rotates the pinion 27 about the axis of the pinionshaft 29, thereby facilitating the repeated engagement and disengagementof the plurality of teeth 25 with successive serrations 62 and forcingthe non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 to linearly traversethrough retractor handle passageway 38 of the adapter housing 26.However, in the illustrated embodiment, similar to a traditionalratchet, when the pawl mechanism 30 is in a locking engagement with atleast one of the plurality of serrations 62, the crank knob 28 andpinion 27 may only rotate in a direction that pulls the head 70 of thenon-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60, and attached retractor blade340, into closer proximity to the proximate end 18 of the adaptorhousing 26.

[0035]FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the rear sideof the illustrated crank universal joint. In the illustrated embodiment,the distal portion 19 of the adaptor housing 26 may have a dimensionlarger than the diameter of the clamping bore 14 to prevent the adaptorhousing 26 from passing through the clamping bore 14. Alternatively, aretainer ring may be operably attached to both the proximate end 18 andthe distal portion 19 of the adapter housing 26 so as to maintain arotational engagement between the adaptor housing 26 and the clampingbore 14.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the first clamping member 12 isoperably connected to a second clamping member 16. As shown in FIG. 4,the first clamping member 12 has a first leg 80, a second leg 82, and abushing orifice 55. The second clamping member 16 is shown as having apassageway 17, a first leg 86, a second leg 88, and a bushing orifice53. The passageway 17 is configured for engagement with at least aportion of the surgical retractor system frame, such as the extensionarms 190, 200. However, the present invention is capable of methods ofattachment to a surgical retraction system 100 other than the use of asecond clamping member 16, as will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art.

[0037] In FIGS. 5 and 6 of the illustrated embodiment, the lockingmechanism 45 is shown as a cam mechanism having a cam 44 and a camhandle 42 for engagement with a through rod 46 and nut 50, and tooperably connect the second clamping member 16 to the first clampingmember 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the through rod 46 isconfigured to permit the independent rotational movement of the firstand second clamping members 12, 16 about the longitudinal axis of thethrough rod 46. Once the first clamping member 12 is placed at itsdesired location relative to the rotational position of the secondclamping member 16, the cam handle 42 is manipulated to a clampingposition, thereby locking the rotational positions of the first andsecond clamping members 12, 16. A bushing 52 may be employed to assistin locking the rotational positions of the first and second clampingmembers 12, 16. However, the locking of the rotational positions of thefirst and second clamping members 12, 16 does not prohibit the linearadjustment of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60, which maystill be adjusted through the automatic or manual manipulation of thepawl mechanism 30.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the cam handle 42 is pivotallymoveable about a pivot axis 43 between an unclamped position, asillustrated by solid lines in FIG. 10, and a clamped position, asillustrated by phantom lines in FIG. 10. The cam 44 may be asymmetricwith respect to the pivot axis 43 of the cam handle 42, so that thecenter axis of the cam 44 is not aligned with the pivot axis 43 of thecam handle 42.

[0039] The cam 44 is positioned through the eyelet portion 48 of thethrough rod 46. Alternatively, the center axis of the cam 44 may bealigned with the center axis of the cam handle 42, where the cam 44 isnot circular but instead has different radial lengths along differentpoints of its perimeter, as will be appreciated by those skilled in theart.

[0040] By way of example, FIG. 7 illustrates the asymmetric position ofthe center axis of the cam 44 relative to the pivot axis 43 of the camhandle 42. As the cam handle is manipulated from an unclamped position,as shown in FIG. 7, towards a clamped position, as illustrated in FIGS.8 and 9, the location of the center axis of the cam 44 relative to thepivot axis 43 of the cam handle 42 changes. Once the cam handle 42reaches the clamped position, the center axis of the cam 44 has, by wayof example, rotated to a location below the center axis of the cam 44,as illustrated in FIG. 9. As the cam handle 42 is manipulated from anunclamped position to the clamped position, the cam 44, through contactwith the surface of the eyelet portion 48, pulls the through rod 46 andassociated nut 50 towards the first clamping member 12. The nut 50 thenbegins to push the second leg 88 of the second clamping member 16towards the first clamping member 12. However, in response to thepushing force of the nut 50, the obstructive presence of the bushing 52forces the bushing 52 into a tight engagement with the bushing orifices53, 55. In conjunction with the pushing movement of the nut 50, theobstructive presence of the bushing 52 results in the exertion of acompressive force against the second legs 82, 88 of the clampingmembers, thereby forcing the second legs 82, 88 into closer proximity totheir respective first legs 80, 86. The change in the respectiveproximity of the second legs 82, 88 to first legs 80, 86 results in theconstriction of the areas circumscribed by the passageway 17 and theclamping bore 14. Constriction of the clamping bore 14 generates aclamping force onto the sleeve 22, which locks the rotational positionof adaptor housing 26 within the clamping bore 14. Furthermore, thecompressive forces being exerted by the bushing 52 and the nut 50 ontothe first and clamping members 12, 16 locks the rotational positions ofthe first and second clamping members 12, 16.

[0041]FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the illustrated embodiment ofthe crank universal joint. In the illustrated embodiment, thenon-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 is permanently integrated intothe adaptor housing 26, such that the end cap 68 and retractor head 70prohibit the removal of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60from the adaptor housing 26. In an attempt to reduce and/or eliminatepossible interference with the operative site, the locking mechanism maybe configured so that the cam handle 42 extends towards the operativesite only when the cam handle 42 is in an unclamped position, asdepicted by solid lines in FIG. 10. When the cam handle is in theclamped position, as depicted by the phantom lines in FIG. 10, the camhandle 42 extends away from the operative site. Furthermore, the lockingmechanism 45 may be configured so that the unclamped and clampedpositions of the cam handle 42 are substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle 60 so asto further prevent the cam handle from interfering with the operativesite.

[0042] While the present invention has been illustrated in some detailaccording to the preferred embodiment shown in the foregoing drawingsand descriptions, it will be understood that the invention is notlimited thereto, since modifications may be made by those skilled in theart, particularly in light of the foregoing teaching. It is thereforecontemplated by the appended claims to cover such modifications asincorporate those features that come within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A universal clamping joint comprising: a firstclamping member having a clamping bore; an adapter housing having aretractor handle passageway, at least a portion of the adapter housingbeing configured for rotational insertion into the clamping bore, atleast a portion of the retractor handle passageway being configured toreceive insertion of a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle; and alocking mechanism operably connected to the first clamping member, thelocking mechanism being movable between an unclamped position and aclamped position, the clamped position being capable of imposing aclamping force on the clamping bore to prevent the rotation of theadaptor housing in the clamping bore.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1wherein a pinion is operably connected to the adaptor housing, thepinion having a plurality of pinion teeth, the pinion teeth beingconfigured for engagement with at least one of the plurality ofserrations.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein a crank knob is operablyconnected to the pinion, the rotation of the crank knob facilitating therotation of the plurality of pinion teeth and subsequent engagement ofat least one of the plurality of pinion teeth with at least one of theplurality of serrations.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a pawlmechanism is pivotably mounted onto the adapter housing, the pawlmechanism being configured for both a releasable engagement and alocking engagement with at least one of the plurality of serrations. 5.The apparatus of claim 4 wherein a spring pin is operably connected tothe pawl mechanism, the spring pin being configured to bias the pawlmechanism against at least one of the plurality of serrations.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the retractor handlepassageway is a cylindrical orifice
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe locking mechanism is a cam locking mechanism, the cam lockingmechanism having a cam handle and a cam.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7wherein the clamping mechanism engages a through rod and a nut.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 7 wherein the cam handle has a unclamped position anda clamped position, the clamped position and the unclamped position ofthe cam handle being configured to be substantially parallel to thenon-cylindrical retractor blade handle.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1wherein a second clamping member is rotatably connected to the firstclamping member, the second clamping member and the first clampingmember being capable of rotational movement about the same axis.
 11. Auniversal clamping joint comprising: a first clamping member having aclamping bore; an adapter housing having a retractor handle passagewayand a sleeve, at least a portion of the sleeve being configured forrotational insertion into the clamping bore, at least a portion of theretractor handle passageway having a non-cylindrical configuration sizedto receive the slideable insertion of a non-cylindrical retractor bladehandle and to prevent the rotation of the non-cylindrical retractorblade handle within the adapter housing, the non-cylindrical retractorhaving a plurality of serrations; and a locking mechanism operablyconnected to the first clamping member, the locking mechanism beingmovable between an unclamped position and a clamped position, theclamped position being capable of imposing a clamping force on theclamping bore to prevent the rotation of the adaptor housing within theclamping bore; and a pawl mechanism operably connected to the adaptorhousing, the pawl mechanism being configured for both a releasableengagement and a locking engagement with at least one of the pluralityof serrations.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein a pinion isoperably connected to the adaptor housing, the pinion having a pluralityof pinion teeth, the pinion teeth being configured for engagement withat least one of the plurality of serrations.
 13. The apparatus of claim11 wherein a crank knob is operably connected to the pinion, therotation of the crank knob facilitating the rotation of the plurality ofpinion teeth and subsequent engagement of at least one of the pluralityof pinion teeth with at least one of the plurality of serrations. 14.The apparatus of claim 11 wherein a spring pin is operably connected tothe pawl mechanism, the spring pin being configured to bias the pawlmechanism against at least one of the plurality of serrations.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 11 wherein at least a portion of the retractor handlepassageway is a cylindrical orifice.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11wherein the locking mechanism is a cam locking mechanism, the camlocking mechanism having a cam handle and a cam.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 16 wherein the locking mechanism engages a through rod and a nut.18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the cam handle has an unclampedposition and a clamping position, the unclamped position and theunclamped position of the cam handle being configured to besubstantially parallel to the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle.19. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein a second clamping member isrotatably connected to the first clamping member, the second clampingmember and the first clamping member being capable of rotationalmovement about the same axis.
 20. A universal clamping joint comprising:a first clamping member rotatably connected to a second clamping member,the first clamping member having a clamping bore; an adapter housinghaving a retractor handle passageway and a sleeve, at least a portion ofthe sleeve being configured for rotational insertion into the clampingbore, at least a portion of the retractor handle passageway having anon-cylindrical configuration sized to receive the slideable insertionof a non-cylindrical retractor blade handle and to prevent the rotationof the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle within the adapterhousing, the non-cylindrical retractor having a plurality of serrations;and a locking mechanism operably connected to the first clamping memberand second clamping member, the locking mechanism being movable betweenan unclamped position and a clamped position, the clamped position beingcapable of imposing a clamping force on the clamping bore to prevent therotation of the adaptor housing within the clamping bore; and a pawlmechanism operably connected to the adaptor housing, the pawl mechanismhaving a wedge, the wedge being configured for both a releasableengagement and a locking engagement with at least one of the pluralityof serrations; a spring pin operably connected to the pawl mechanism,the spring pin configured to bias at least a portion of the wedgeagainst at least one of the plurality of serrations; and a pinionoperably connected to adaptor housing, the pinion having a plurality ofpinion teeth configured for engagement with at least one of theplurality of serrations.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein a crankknob is operably connected to the pinion, the rotation of the crank knobfacilitating the rotation of the plurality of pinion teeth andsubsequent engagement of at least one of the plurality of pinion teethwith at least one of the plurality of serrations.
 22. The apparatus ofclaim 20 wherein at least a portion of the retractor handle passagewayis a cylindrical orifice.
 23. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein thelocking mechanism is a cam locking mechanism, the cam locking mechanismhaving a cam handle and a cam.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein thelocking mechanism engages a through rod and a nut.
 25. The apparatus ofclaim 23 wherein the cam handle has an unclamped position and a clampedposition, the unclamped position and the clamped position of the camhandle being configured to be substantially parallel to thenon-cylindrical retractor blade handle.
 26. An adapter for a clampingmember of a surgical retraction system, the adapter comprising: anadapter housing having a retractor handle passageway, at least a portionof the adapter housing being configured for rotational insertion into aclamp bore of a clamping member, at least a portion of the retractorhandle passageway configured to receive the slideable insertion of anon-cylindrical retractor blade handle and configured to prevent therotation of the non-cylindrical retractor blade handle within theretractor handle passageway; a pawl mechanism operably connected to theadaptor housing, the pawl mechanism having a wedge, the wedge beingconfigured for both a releasable and a locking engagement with at leastone of the plurality of serrations; and
 27. The apparatus of claim 26wherein a spring pin is operably connected to the pawl mechanism, thespring pin being configured to bias at least a portion of the wedgeagainst at least one of the plurality of serrations.
 28. The apparatusof claim 26 wherein at least a portion of the retractor handlepassageway is a cylindrical orifice
 29. The apparatus of claim 26wherein a locking mechanism is operably connected to the clampingmember, the locking mechanism being movable between an unclampedposition and a clamped position, the clamped position being capable ofimposing a clamping force on the clamp bore to prevent the rotation ofthe adaptor housing within the clamp bore.